THE Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marawi will be holding its graduation rites at the campus, as usual, this Thursday, July 13.
Dr. Habib Macaayong, MSU system president, said MSU-Marawi has not been affected by the conflict downtown and that holding it elsewhere would not be practical, especially with the improving situation now.
Downtown Marawi City is only five to ten minutes away from MSU-Marawi campus.
"MSU-Marawi from the beginning was not affected with the war in downtown. In fact, the situation has improved, 80 percent na ‘yung cleared of Maute terrorists," Macaayong said.
Macaayong said some 1,200 student will graduate this July.
He said the program of activities for the graduation has already been prepared with Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) Secretary Datu Hj. Abul Khayr as the commencement guest speaker, and not President Rodrigo Duterte as earlier circulated in the social media.
The MSU system president clarified that while it is true that they invited Duterte in February this year, Malacañang confirmed last week he cannot come because of prior commitments.
He appealed to the students and parents of the university to attend the graduation rites, the most important day for students, assuring them of their safety and security.
"To the students and parents, please attend your graduation rites. I am assuring you of your safety, because MSU-Marawi was not ever infiltrated by terrorists. We are in very normal condition," he added.
Parents and students will be provided with free bus ride from Iligan City to transport them to the Marawi campus on July 12, with the assistance of military personnel.
Those who have private vehicles will need to get in touch with the MSU administration for their car's safe pass.
All are encouraged to bring their identification cards and to limit their companions/chaperone.
"The military is very enthusiastic that we will hold the graduation inside the campus. We are also closely cooperating with the military with the preparation of the program, from the activities to the peace and order on that day, they will be with us," he said.
MSU-Marawi, founded in 1961, caters to students from Mindanao, Sulu, Palawan regions.
Macaayong is also informing faculty, staff, and students that enrollment will push through in August for the 1st semester.
"We hope to normalize our operations this month or in August first week," he said.
